They're a little confused, but they have the right spirit. As of March 31, 2020, Planet Fitness had more than 15.5 million members and 2,039 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The planet fitness chain is as slimey and scammy as your internet service provider. Governor Roy Cooper has not given gyms the green light to reopen. Dear Planet Fitness Customer Service Team, I am writing to express my disappointment with the lack of customer service experience displayed by one of your employees, Damaris in the planet fitness in Colobos. The San Antonio, Texas-based supermarket chain announced on July 3 that all H-E-B stores would mandate the use of masks or facial coverings, except for children and people with health-related issues that prevent mask usage. 71. We are reopening thoughtfully, responsibly, and safely," the gym wrote in a statement. Particularly in the United States, the politicization of mask-wearing has resulted in viral videos of customers raging against store employees when confronted over their decision not to wear a mask. Josh Whicker - Do you have an updated mask policy? | Facebook We kindly encourage you to reach out to our club manager at (336) 885-8000 for the latest update on equipment repairs. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. We also recognize the role we can play to help protect the health and well-being of the communities we serve by following the evolving guidance of health officials like the CDC.. While a medical exemption could theoretically be possible, masks have been shown to not impact breathing in any significant way, so it would likely only apply in extreme cases with a doctor's note. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. O2 Fitness Clubs - Home - Facebook HAMPTON, N.H., July 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, today announced that members and guests will be required to wear a mask at all times* while inside all open stores, beginning August 1. The city's enforcement strategy isnt about citations, she said, noting, "We are enforcing by education.". Although health clubs recommend masks, the state mandate allows for indoor exercise without masks if social distancing increases to 14 feet. Members will now be required to wear masks at all times within our facilities except while actively working out and in accordance with local and state restrictions. Sharing gym space with unvaccinated members would be much less of a risk if they were wearing masks, Cline Gounder, MD, ScM, infectious-disease specialist and epidemiologist at NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital, told POPSUGAR. Whether you're a first-time gym user or a longtime member, we're here to provide a workout environment in which anyone - and everyone - can be comfortable. 'We're out of money:' Bar, gym owners in dire stress with another Phase extension, Other gyms in the state have reopened using the loophole, no evidence that fitness facilities contribute to the spread of COVID-19. This is the latest major chain to enact its own mask policy, as the rules on wearing face masks in public places around the U.S. have been inconsistent. First to Review. Employees of the gym chain will be required to wear masks as well, possibly serving as a reminder to members. "While COVID-19 is a serious public health issue, so too is the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease killing 1.7 million Americans every year. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)1, safety and sanitization policies implemented at gyms that have been allowed to reopen have been extremely effective. The retailer, based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., announced its mask mandate on July 15. Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. var year=today.getFullYear() Santarpia noted that the virus could live much longer in an indoor environment with no humidity, ionization, or sunlight to threaten it, and the enclosed space would prevent it from escaping. Privacy Policy, the legal implications of disability exemptions for masks in a past article, What You Need to Know About Masks in Your Fitness Center, What Clubs Can Learn from Other Industries COVID-19 Strategies. The incredibly charged nature of the topic makes it very hard for club owners to decide how to enforce mask requirements, but there are steps that owners can take to enforce mask policies safely. A cluster is defined as at least five positive cases scientifically linked to each other within 14 days. Specifically, Governor Roy Cooper's new requirement for people to. We know it is a place for more viral transmission," Cohen said on Tuesday. Masks Off: Raleigh Mandate Lifted - Peace Times Media "I think theyre definitely a benefit. Some chains, however, have moved in the opposite direction. On July 16, Target said customers have to wear face masks at all stores nationwide, effective Aug. 1. Many clubs in countries where mask mandates have been relaxed or are not particularly strict still require employees to wear a mask at all times. And receive a free body scan and 2 coaching sessions to start your health and fitness journey! According to Planet Fitness's website, members are still expected to wear a mask inside the gym, "except while actively working out." Mike Brezenski - With mask requirements being lifted for | Facebook Planet Fitness walked back its face mask policy before it could even go into effect. In the absence of that, and until community transmission rates are lower and more people are vaccinated, I'm going to stick to working out at home with the equipment we bought during the pandemic.". Mask mandates around the world differ on whether they are required when exercising. in 3 reviews People are documenting their dates on TikTok but is it actually helping them find love? Being fully vaccinated and going to a gym where nearly everyone else is fully vaccinated makes incidences of COVID-19 cases unlikely. Planet Fitness adjusts mandated mask requirement to not - pennlive Additionally, large businesses such as Walmart and Kroger supermarkets have mandated the wearing of masks in their stores across the United States. One of the most discussed issues around masks is whether they are necessary while exercising. 2023 Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. put a local mask mandate back into effect, Find a Way Fitness, in Raleigh, experienced its own outbreak in December, a surge in infections fueled by the virus' delta variant, Some local gyms not following Raleigh's mask mandate, Raleigh officials: Mask mandate stays until positive tests drop below 5%, NFL Draft: Panthers draft Wolfpack's offense guard Chandler Zavala, Raleigh resident arrested for defacing priceless art case during demonstration, GOP lawmakers want to pay for students' private education. Planet Fitness, Inc. Jul 27, 2020, 08: . This raised immediate questions about how this mask policy would be enforced, with many members speculating that it could not possibly be consistent across locations. This week, [], By Michael Hein Earlier this month, the Company also launched a Crowd Meter feature on its free mobile app to allow members to check club capacity before coming into the gym. As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, amid an ongoing global health crisis, wellness has never been as essential to our collective community as it is today, said Chris Rondeau, its chief executive officer in a statement. I highly recommend the Planet Fitness Club at 681 Cary Towne Blvd, Cary, NC 27511. Planet Fitness - Home - Facebook Gym in Holly Springs, NC | 309 Matthews Dr | Planet Fitness This location has the friendliest staff & has done an amazing job of following. "I am vaccinated, and I still wear a mask when I have to," Hannah Willard said as she peeled off her mask after leaving Crunch Fitness. We are instituting a universal, standard mask policy in all of our stores effective August 1, although after hearing member feedback, we will be making a slight adjustment to this policy. The mask mandate while exercising is now part of Governor Coopers executive order meant to get theskyrocketing cases of COVID-19 under control. Useful It is important to note that these are just recommendations. They will also have more information and reason to confront customers who are violating the mask requirement. CMS Board votes to give superintendent authority to shift individual schools to remote learning, Nurses treating 'sickest of the sick' now worry there's no end in sight to COVID-19, Charlotte-area DAs weigh options for prosecuting COVID-19 cases. Closer to home, Find a Way Fitness, in Raleigh, experienced its own outbreak in December. I dont think its hard.". Each virtual class is 20 minutes or less and doesn't require any equipment. NC, NC. As coronavirus cases surge, major retail chains are insisting that customers wear face coverings, even in places where local governments do not require it. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. ", We love your faces, ALL of them. Walmart, which operates more than 5,000 stores in the United States, mandated on July 15 that all shoppers wear face coverings, effective July 20. Small children are exempt from the policy. Its counterproductive, its counterintuitive, Jenkins said. "Personally, as someone who worked out at the gym five to six days per week right before the pandemic and who hasn't yet gone back to the gym, I would feel safe going back to the gym now if vaccine verification were in place. The satellite communications provider also said it would provide masks to customers who need them. Learn more at https://t.co/jqwDmD1Vm4 pic.twitter.com/lS35KxYpLD. No citations have been issued to date. Gym owners, like Ben Wright at F45 Training in Raleigh, worry the new mandate will put a greater strain on business. "Its up to them to say, 'Hey, these are the rules. On July 2, AT&T announced that store visitors needed to wear face coverings. So, will you finally be able to go mask-free at the gym? ", "Even if your gym is open, which it should not be, the reason we are concerned about gyms is when you are exercising, you are breathing heavier. Assistant Club Manager Job in Washington, NC - Planet Fitness Inc If a customer is only refusing to wear a legally mandated mask over philosophical objections, clubs are allowed to refuse them service. In a room full of people sweating and breathing heavily, Smalls said, he feels the risk for infection is too high for gyms not to enforce mask rules, and he wishes other people would get the message. Home of Big Fitness Energy. Here's what we know about face covering requirements and the best path forward for your health club. Planet Fitness - High Point, NC - Yelp In addition to the updated mask requirement, Planet Fitness has already taken several additional steps to strengthen its existing cleanliness policies and procedures to help keep members, guests and employees safe. The policy went into effect on July 27. Assistant Club Manager Job in Washington, NC at Planet Fitness - Excel While mask requirements differ across the world, the general trend has seen national governments increasingly mandate that masks must be worn when social distancing is not possible. However, the mandate appears to be at odds with recommendations from the World Health Organization. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. Under the revision, members will not have to wear face coverings if they are actively working out and in accordance with local and state restrictions. After Walmart, Americas largest retailer, announced on July 15 that it would mandate in-store mask-wearing, a flurry of other companies, including Kroger, Target and Walgreens, followed suit. WCNC Charlotte asked Jenkins if they will require masks at Hive Fitness. Job posted 1 day ago - Planet Fitness Inc. is hiring now for a Full-Time Assistant Club Manager in Washington, NC. If your gym requires it, then yes, you should mask up. WRAL Investigates checked out some local gyms, including Crunch Fitness in the Village District, after receiving complaints about mask non-compliance. "People are more than welcome to wear a mask.". Everyone else was working out without the required face covering. If you choose to exercise in a gym, then modifying the type of exercise youre doing may be necessary so you can wear that mask and protect others.. "When someone is breathing vigorously, your saliva can get aerosolized. We feel its a highly individualized decision," Jenkins responded. The clothing retailer, which operates its namesake brand Gap as well as Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Intermix and Janie and Jack, said on July 20 that customers must wear masks in all of its stores in North America, effective Aug. 1. Given our leadership position within the industry, we believe it's our responsibility to further protect our members, employees, and communities so that we can all safely focus on our health, which is more important now than ever before.". O2 Fitness in North Carolina, however, stated on Thursday they have begun a phased reopening after previously claiming that there is no evidence that fitness facilities contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Featuring Planet Fitness certified trainers and celebrity guests, each workout is streamed Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. According to Planet Fitness's website, members are . However, the gyms will not require medical documentation at check-in to respect "personal privacy.". Masks are available for purchase to shoppers who do not bring their own. Ask a question. "We have already received multiple emails from members wanting to suspend their membership," Wright said. When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The electronics company said on July 14 that all customers must wear face coverings when shopping in Best Buy stores. A growing number of businesses are requiring customers to wear face masks including Best Buy, BJs Wholesale Club, Costco, Home Depot, Kohls, Lowes, Macys, Rite Aid, Sams Club, Starbucks and Walmart. Copyright 2023 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. "Gyms are not supposed to be open.". You are also more likely to infect others if you have COVID-19 and are not masked (this much we've known for a while). You do not need to wear a mask at the gym if you are following those guidelines. Currently, the Australian government does not recommend the general public wear masks when outside their home, but they are issuing mask mandates on a regional basis. Organizations like the YMCA are still requiring masks but will adhere to the masks policies of their partnering school systems. Gyms have spaced out or blocked off equipment to allow for social distancing and implemented stringent cleaning practices. Hey Omar! I think its confusing as heck to most people, Rob Jenkins, the co-founder of Hive Fitness, said. The company will provide disposable masks to patrons who need them. Planet Fitness walked back its face mask policy before it could even go into effect. No Sauna. On July 22, the retailer, which has 840 locations, said that it would require all customers to wear masks while shopping, effective July 24. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others.. In a Chicago gym, 68 percent of participants in a high-intensity class became infected when masks were optional. If not, and considering CDC guidelines, you're good to go without your mask if you are vaccinated. Gyms were set to reopen under Phase Three which would also allow for the reopening of bars and entertainment venues. That means, instead of large droplets, your saliva can actually turn into smaller droplets that hang around and spread," said Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk of the UNC School of Medicine. Want to give it a shot? The update goes on to say that members should wear masks "when entering and exiting the facility, in between machines and exercises on the gym floor, cleaning, and while in the locker room." Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, O2 Fitness: Some North Carolina chain HAMPTON, N.H., July 27, 2020 -- Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, today announced that members and guests will be required to wear a mask at all times* while inside all open stores, beginning August 1. 99. Fitness contributes to lowering rates of non-communicable disease related to sedentary lifestyles and obesity, and improves mental health, physical health and overall well-being. Keep discussion civil or bans will be handed out starting with 7 days for first offence, 30 days for 2nd and permanent ban for 3rd offence. The official policy can be found here. Governments around the globe are mandating the use of masks in public places, causing uncertainty for health clubs. We take a look at leading companies that are working to keep their businesses safe and thriving. Baldwin said she hopes businesses do the right thing and enforce the rules to protect other patrons. On Friday, McDonalds, one of the largest fast-food chain in the United States with 38,984 locations as of March 31, joined other retailers and restaurants with mask mandates. These include enhanced cleanliness and sanitization policies and procedures, extensive training for employees, physical distancing measures in its spacious and well-ventilated stores, and reducing physical touch points with touchless check-in. As of July 15, guests must wear a mask inside all Panera bakery-cafes nationwide, except while seated and eating or drinking. POPSUGAR has reached out for comment. The policy, which went into effect on July 15, does not apply to small children or people unable to wear a mask for health reasons. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said they have not identified any COVID-19 clusters connected to fitness centers. And if you are not vaccinated, for now, wear your mask while getting your gym sweat on. Send out an email to all members notifying them of mask requirements and for what situations they are necessary. Jon Roberts, chief operating officer of CVS Health, said on July 16 that the drugstore chain would require all customers to wear face coverings while shopping in-store, effective July 20. You cant mask a good workout so Mask Up and keep moving! Copyright var today=new Date() $35,600 Yearly. With mask requirements being lifted for vaccinated people, are they still required while working out? Planet Fitness, Inc. NEW! All rights reserved. CHARLOTTE, N.C. North Carolina's expanded mask mandate seems to contradict one of the leading health agencies in the world. Depending on the local mask mandates wording, different solutions can be possible. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The department store company began requiring shoppers to wear face coverings at its more than 1,100 stores nationwide on July 20. The companies referenced a letter from North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein sent out in early June that says gyms can be used for medical purposes. News provided by. Washington, NC. You'll have to understand the rules and abide by them, or else you're not going to be able to utilize the facility, and that's just going to be a hard line we're going to have to draw.". the WHO clearly states people should not wear masks while exercising. 12/2/2017. IHRSA further discussed the legal implications of disability exemptions for masks in a past article. Yet with the increase in government mask mandates and reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, it seems like masks will be a fixture of the new normal. This means that customers will be required to wear face masks in stores even in places without local mask ordinances. Club employees have already been required to wear masks, but this new measure is designed to keep everyone in the clubs as safe as possible, which is Planet Fitness top priority, the company said in a statement. The company will station a health ambassador at store entrances to remind customers to wear a mask. Starting May 19, Equinox members in New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Chicago no longer have to mask up, and no proof of vaccination will be required either. "I think thats partially because I have a good mask that I like to wear, and it fits well.". While creating physical divisions between every piece of cardio equipment may not be feasible, separating a few machines specifically for those who are unable to exercise in a mask would allow clubs to accommodate their members while still abiding by the government order. . During my recent visit to your gym, I . instituted a cap on how many members can enter a facility. Planet Fitness noted that it will be providing disposable masks for those that come without one and asking them to wear it. The CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering when physical distancing is difficult and when exercise type and intensity allows. 0. The convenience store chain said that all customers must wear face coverings while shopping, effective July 20. Whole Foods Market said it would provide masks at the entrance of all stores to customers who do not have their own face covering. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 0. However, there is a debate about wearing a mask while exercising. Planet Fitness is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. Planet Fitness - Chapel Hill, NC - Yelp Planet Fitness Policies | Planet Fitness For more information about Planet Fitness' response to COVID-19 and safety measures in stores, visit https://www.planetfitness.com/health. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. On July 16, the Deerfield, Ill.-based company announced that all customers have to wear face coverings while shopping, effective July 20. All rights reserved. "As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, amid an ongoing global health crisis, wellness has never been as essential to our collective community as it is today,"said Chris Rondeau, Chief Executive Officer at Planet Fitness. A comprehensive list of all IHRSA resources created to help health clubs navigate the coronavirus outbreak. and employed a QR code scan and temperature check of all customers upon entry to identify their health status. No mask enforcement? : r/PlanetFitnessMembers - Reddit The chain will provide masks to customers who need them for a small fee. A Facebook poster questioned Crunch Fitness managers about their mask policy after hearing the gym wasn't enforcing the local mandate. The health agency said, Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms.". If a gym requires that you mask up upon entry, that's the way to go. However, on Wednesday, the company revised that policy. "This is a pivotal moment in our fight against the coronavirus.". His primary responsibilities include monitoring legislation that affects the health club industry at the state and federal level and writing legislative alerts and articles on issues that affect IHRSA members. Health clubs often rely on each other for guidance implementing new policies and programs, but what can we learn from other industries? Wearing your mask at the gym? To date, the Company has approximately 1,450 locations open across 46 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and Australia. With some localities mandating masks in public places, clubs need to consider the logistics, member management, and legal implications of mask and face covering requirements. Still, they asked people to consider outdoor exercise as much as possible. PLANET FITNESS - 79 Photos & 43 Reviews - Yelp "Everybody is tired of wearing this," said Baldwin, who approved the citys new mask rules amid a surge in infections fueled by the virus' delta variant. This page will be updated regularly. Gym in Holly Springs, NC | 309 Matthews Dr | Planet Fitness Holly Springs, NC Club info 309 Matthews Dr Holly Springs, NC 27539 United States Get Directions (919) 276-5344 View Club Schedule Club Hours Open & Staffed 24/7!